Scientific adviser issues guidelines to check Covid spread

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Central Government has issued a simple easy to follow guideline to “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic - Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus”.In a statement, Principal Scientific Adviser K VijayRaghavan has emphasised on following simple tools and practices to reduce the spread of corona virus.The advisory issued on Thursday, lays special emphasis on stopping the transmission and crushing the pandemic.It highlights the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the viral load of infected air.

Introducing outdoor air and primarily cross ventilation in offices, homes and larger public spaces has been advised as per the guideline. For buildings with central air-management systems improving central air filtration and increased filtration efficiency has been defined as extremely helpful. In offices, auditoriums, shopping malls and other such places use of gable fan systems and roof ventilators have been recommended. The advisory also stresses on continued usage of double masks or a N95 mask. The suggests are aimed at informing people on how best to cut transmission, the adviser’s office said in a statement. According to the document,  just as smells can be diluted from the air through opening windows and doors and using exhaust systems, ventilating spaces with improved directional air flow decreases the accumulated viral load, reducing the risk of transmission. “Introducing outdoor air in offices, homes and larger public spaces is advised through strategic placement of fans, and open windows and doors for cross ventilation, and use of exhaust fans,” it said, adding that buildings with central air-management should increase filtration efficiency.